Blustery Fraser Canyon + The Groundhog is Back!

Issue #480

Author

Carla McNeil
January 18, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌞 Weather - Sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - How do raindrops stay organized? 📆 

 🗓️ New West Events - Picking up the pace, with more things worth checking out.

 🗞️ New West Local News - Blustery Fraser Canyon + Groundhog is Back

 📧 Did someone forward you our New West Spotlight? You can Subscribe Here!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 11.4 2017 - Record low -3.8 2024

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

January 18, 2026

🎸 Weekend Jam with Sam – 11:00 AM

👍️ NWP Volunteer Appreciation Event – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎨 Linocut Print Making at Arrieta Art Studio – 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🍻 LGBTQIA2S Beer Social at The Terminal Pub – 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Sunday Bingo – At Royal City Curling Club

January 19, 2026

🎨 Reflections of Migration – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

🧩 Steel & Oak Puzzle Mondays – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

💙 Colour Me Blue (In a Good Way) – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎨 Downtown’s Living Room at Anvil Centre – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🍻 All Day Happy Hour – Mondays at Frankie G’s

January 20, 2026

🗣️ English Conversation Circles at the Welcome Centre – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

📖 Storytime (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🌶️ SPICE Club! – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

📚️ Young Readers Book Club (9-12 years) – 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎤 Ukulele Level 1 at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🍺 Steel & Oak Beer and Board Games – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Trans-Kids, Trans-Families - support group – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hot B*tch Rock & Roll Bingo – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Notorious Grey Fox Trivia Tuesdays – 7:00 PM

🎤 Itilia Kitchen Karaoke Nights – 8:00 PM

🍝 $15 All Pastas at Frankie G’s – Tuesdays at Frankie G’s

Bring the kids and discover how weather works

Super Weekend is a monthly, family-focused program packed with hands-on fun—and this January, it’s all about wind, weather, and the mighty Fraser Canyon 🌬️

The Fraser Canyon is known for some of the strongest winds along the Fraser River, especially during winter and spring when Pacific storms roll through. Its steep, narrow geography funnels air through the canyon, creating powerful gusts that shape weather patterns across the Lower Mainland.

Join us January 24–25 at the Fraser River Discovery Centre to explore how geography and science collide through interactive activities designed for curious minds of all ages.

🔬 What’s happening this weekend?
Families can model cold winter winds using hands-on science demonstrations, build mini wind tunnels, and test airflow to see how canyon walls amplify wind speed—all while learning how these forces impact our region.

📅 When: Saturday & Sunday, January 24–25, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
📍 Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Drive
🎟️ Cost: Included with regular admission (children 2 and under are free)

Come learn, build, and explore together—because science is always more fun when the whole family joins in!

IT’S BACK! The Giant Groundhog Returns to Sapperton

If you’ve been missing one of New West’s most legendary roadside sights, you’re not alone — the 5-metre Groundhog is officially back for another season!

📍 Where to see it: Corner of Richmond Street & Alberta Street in Sapperton
🌙 Pro tip: It’s extra stunning once the sun goes down!

And judging by the Facebook comments, this big guy has a fan club:

  • “You make my commute home so special!!!”

  • “Can’t wait to drive by and get my daily chuckle.”

  • “It brings me joy. 🤣🤣”

  • “I love this so much and show it to my non–New West friends every year!”

Have you driven by yet? 🚗💛

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ How do raindrops stay organized? 📆 

They always have a “drip” plan! 📝 

Groan O' Meter

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